Curriculum

HVAC Training Online Curriculum

Penn Foster's HVAC Training online curriculum consists of nine courses to help you gain the knowledge and skills relevant for performing HVACR repair jobs in a variety of settings including school systems, manufacturers, and large organizations that have commercial systems to cool or refrigerate products. Read more details on each of our HVAC classes below.

HVACR Technician

Career Diploma

5 months

As low as $59/mo

Full Program Overview

1-800-471-3232 (9AM - 9PM ET)

HVAC Training Online Curriculum

39.8 continuing education units (CEUs)
9 courses
23 exams

Estimated completion time:

Fast track = 5 months
Average time = 9 months

With Penn Foster, you can learn at whatever pace works best for you. Some learners will be more comfortable moving faster, and dedicating more time, and the fast track estimate will apply to them. The average track will apply to most learners who can dedicate a few hours per week to completing their coursework. The estimated completion times are based on completion times for learners enrolled in this program from May 2021 - April 2022, excluding withdrawals.

Starting Your Program In this course, you’ll develop the necessary skills to ensure your success in the program. Starting Your Program is designed to help you make a smooth transition to Penn Foster, including learning how to use all the tools and resources that are available to you, get help when you need it, understand the Code of Conduct, and improve your study skills and time management. The goal is to help you become a confident, independent learner.

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to
- Identify skills needed to be a confident and independent online learner
In this course, you’ll learn about the uses, components, and types of indoor comfort-control systems. You’ll explore the types of jobs and the pay scales for comfort-control employees.

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to do the following:
- Analyze the various components used in refrigeration and indoor comfort-control systems
In this course, you’ll get a general overview of the math skills and electrical knowledge required for a career in HVACR. You’ll learn basic electrical terms and concepts such as power, voltage, and current. You’ll also learn the math needed to perform electrical measurements, calculations, and conversions.

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to do the following:
- Summarize how to use basic math operations for trade professions
- Describe the nature of electricity
In this course, you’ll study the need for a broad range of technical skills to work with heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems. You’ll also develop the ability to recognize and correctly employ the tools, equipment, and common materials used by HVACR technicians.

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to do the following:
- Analyze the field of HVACR, the associated roles, and the importance of safety at the workplace
- Categorize the components of the HVACR field and work
- Point out the scientific elements and laws associated with HVACR
The work performed by HVACR technicians is diverse and involves different applications of the fundamental concepts you’ve studied. The work also includes a wide range of air conditioning and refrigeration systems. This part of your program explains how those systems work and describes the major components, as well as the accessories used for the proper operation of systems with specific designs. This course discusses the many kinds of components you’ll encounter when servicing various types of refrigeration systems and what makes one type better suited for an installation than another. You’ll learn how to display good work practices, demonstrate care for the environment, and follow the law when handling refrigerants. Finally, this course discusses system servicing, evacuation, and charging.

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to do the following:
- Categorize the different refrigeration systems and their parts
- Distinguish among refrigeration devices, components, refrigerant properties, and the safety measures associated with each
- Describe the servicing, testing, and maintaining procedures for refrigerant systems
The ability to troubleshoot heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVACR) equipment electrical problems is an important aspect of the HVACR technician’s role. Troubleshooting involves reading schematic and pictorial diagrams, interpreting the information to isolate the problem and conduct the appropriate tests, and then replacing the correct component. To be effective in achieving the ultimate goal of correct diagnosis, you’ll need a firm grasp of the fundamental concepts of electrical safety, basic electricity, and the proper use of test instruments.

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to do the following:
- Explain electrical power and the operating characteristics of equipment, circuits, motors, and control devices
- Use schematics to determine the expected operation of an electrical system
In this course, you’ll describe how air-conditioning and heating systems are installed and serviced in residential and smaller commercial applications. You’ll also receive practical tips and instructions.

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to do the following:
- Identify the fundamentals of psychometrics and the various functions of air filters and ventilation systems
- Distinguish the various operations, installation processes, and troubleshooting of refrigeration systems and air-conditioning systems
- Analyze the principles, functions, and safety measures involved in combustion, gas, and oil heating systems
- Categorize the various applications and troubleshoots of electric heating systems and heat pump systems
In this course, you’ll explore how heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVACR) play a huge role in designing residential and commercial spaces. You’ll learn about how HVACR is an integral part of all buildings and how taking into account issues like indoor air quality, duct design, and load calculations help make buildings a safer place to live and work. You’ll also discover the air conditioners, fans, and various systems and equipment that are in commercial buildings.

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to do the following:
- Describe the components, calculations, and designed associated with building constructions and systems
- Analyze the methods of duct designing and the systems of zone controlling and air balancing
- Identify the components and purpose of air-conditioning, commercial control, chilled-water, and air-handling systems
- Distinguish among the types, components, and operating processes of chilled-water and hydronic heating systems
This course focuses on refrigeration systems related to food preservation and processing, including ice machines. It provides a more general guide to the types of troubleshooting, installation, and maintenance work carried out by heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVACR) technicians every day.

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to do the following:
- Analyze operations and troubleshooting related to supermarket refrigeration systems and ice machine equipment
- Identify the various troubleshoots concerning commercial refrigeration systems
- Categorize the major phases of installation, maintenance, and cleanup procedures in refrigeration systems

Note: We reserve the right to change program content and materials when it becomes necessary.